Work in Malta
English-speaking EU member with fast-track permits for skilled roles, but rules tightened sharply in 2025–2026 — higher salary thresholds, new fees, and a 30-day grace period if you lose your job.
Why Malta?
Malta is one of only three English-speaking EU member states, with a concentration of iGaming, financial services, and tech companies that creates outsized demand for international professionals relative to its small size. The Key Employee Initiative (KEI) offers fast-track processing (5–10 working days) for managerial and highly skilled roles paying €45,000+ gross per year. The Specialist Employee Initiative (SEI) covers technical roles at €30,000+. However, Malta tightened its immigration rules significantly in August 2025: salary thresholds rose, employer termination rate checks were introduced, and the grace period after job loss was cut to 30 days (extendable to 60).
Nearly all international hiring is concentrated in the greater Valletta, Sliema, St Julian's, and Birkirkara corridor. The iGaming industry is Malta's largest employer of foreign professionals, followed by financial services, tech, and maritime. English is an official language and the primary working language in international companies — you do not need Maltese for professional work. From January 2026, first-time non-EU applicants must complete a mandatory Pre-Departure Course (€250) before arrival.
What to know before you move
Live visa-sponsored roles in Malta
Every listing below is verified to sponsor international workers. New roles are added daily — create a free account to get instant alerts when matching jobs go live.
Top industries hiring internationally
iGaming, financial services, and technology dominate Malta's international hiring. One in three workers in Malta is a foreign national, making it one of Europe's most internationalised labour markets relative to population. The iGaming sector alone employs thousands of foreign professionals in software, product, compliance, and operations roles. Financial services hiring is driven by Malta's EU regulatory framework (MiFID, DORA).
Professional Services7 jobs
General5 jobsPopular work visa programs for Malta
Malta uses a Single Permit system managed by Identità. Three tracks exist depending on your role and salary: the Key Employee Initiative (KEI) for senior roles, the Specialist Employee Initiative (SEI) for technical roles, and the standard Single Permit for all other positions. KEI and SEI offer fast-track processing and immediate family reunification. The standard route involves a labour market test through Jobsplus.
Steps to move to Malta with a job
These steps cover the employer-sponsored Single Permit routes — the path Workbeyond is built to support. For KEI and SEI applications, the process from signed contract to permit issuance takes as little as 2–3 weeks. The standard Single Permit takes 6–10 weeks. From January 2026, first-time applicants must complete a mandatory Pre-Departure Course (€250) before travelling.
These steps must happen in order. Your employer submits the application through the Identità Online Portal. You cannot self-apply. The job offer and the employer application come first.
What does life cost in Malta?
Malta is moderately affordable by EU standards, but housing costs have risen sharply in recent years as the foreign workforce has grown. Sliema, St Julian's, and Gzira are the most expensive areas — where most international professionals live. Valletta is slightly cheaper. Mosta, Birkirkara, and northern areas offer lower rents but longer commutes.
On a KEI salary of €45,000 gross, your take-home after income tax and social security (10% employee contribution) is roughly €33,000–€35,000/year (€2,750–€2,900/month). Rent in the main international corridors consumes 35–45% of take-home.
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